Radiation Therapy Center in Pasadena, CA
Fighting cancer is one of life’s greatest challenges – but it’s never something you have to face on your own. At Pasadena CyberKnife, we’re proud to provide world-class cancer care and radiation therapy treatment to patients all over the greater Los Angeles area. Our treatment team features some of the brightest minds in the cancer treatment industry, and we bring the most advanced cancer-fighting technology on the market to every case we treat. We treat virtually any cancerous condition at our treatment center, and if you or someone you love has been diagnosed with
bladder cancer, we can help.
What Is Bladder Cancer?
As its name suggests, bladder cancer refers to any cancerous growth that forms in the bladder: the sack-like organ in the pelvis that holds urine for excretion. There are three main forms of bladder cancer:
- Urothelial Carcinoma: Accounting for roughly 90% of all bladder cancer cases, this cancer forms in the urothelial cells, which line the inside of the bladder and urethra. This condition is also called transitional cell carcinoma (TCC).
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Squamous cells can form in the bladder lining as a response to inflammation or irritation, and over time, they can become cancerous in the form of squamous cell carcinoma. This accounts for roughly 4% of all bladder cancer cases.
- Adenocarcinoma: Representing just 2% of cases, these cancers form in the glandular cells.
Immediately after a tumor forms, it’s normally confined to just the cells lining the inside of the bladder. This is called carcinoma in situ. Eventually, however, most cancers will begin to grow beyond the lining. Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer is a tumor that grow towards the center of the bladder, into the hollow cavity. Muscle-invasive bladder cancer refers to a tumor that grows in the opposite direction, penetrating into more layers of the bladder wall.
Symptoms of Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer is rare, accounting for just 5% of all cancer cases – but it’s always a possibility, and it’s important to watch for symptoms and alert your doctor if you see any. Some of the most
common symptoms of bladder cancer include:
- Blood in the urine
- A change in the color of urine
- Needing to urinate more often than normal
- Feeling like you have to pee, even if your bladder isn’t full
- Reduced flow or urination or inability to urinate
Any of these symptoms are cause for concern, and you should see your doctor if you experience
them. Complete inability to urinate is an extremely serious condition that requires immediate
treatment, so if you physically cannot pee, either call your doctor immediately or head to an
emergency room.
Schedule a Consultation for Radiation Therapy in Pasadena
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with bladder cancer, we can understand that you’re probably feeling overwhelmed – but you’re not alone in the fight. At Pasadena CyberKnife, we’re committed to providing the best possible cancer care and giving each of our patients the best possible chance at a full recovery. Don’t wait: contact us today to schedule a consultation and start the process of beating cancer.